AHY: Government Develops Water Self-sufficiency Strategy to Face El Nino

JAKARTA - The government has begun to formulate a strategy for water self-sufficiency as a long-term step to face the threat of El Nino and extreme weather that is expected to occur more frequently.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said that discussing self-sufficiency in water was one of the agendas in a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto and the Red and White Cabinet at the Presidential Palace, Tuesday, July 28.

"The last one is related to water self-sufficiency, we will continue to discuss this," said AHY.

According to AHY, Indonesia's main challenge is not merely the amount of water available, but its uneven distribution. Some areas have abundant water reserves, while other areas routinely face drought.

"There are areas that are surplus, but there are also areas that are still facing shortages or potential drought," he said.

Therefore, the government continues to seek new water sources to strengthen national water resilience. One of the options discussed is the use of seawater through desalination and brackish water treatment in areas with limited water sources.

AHY said the step was prepared so that the supply of clean water, household needs, and agricultural irrigation would be maintained when El Nino lasted longer.

He has not explained the target time for achieving water self-sufficiency or the areas that are the priority for implementing the program. According to AHY, the strategy is still being perfected with related ministries and agencies.